Three dimensional display unit and display method

ABSTRACT

In a structure in which six active matrix regions  103  to  108  are integrated on one glass substrate, horizontal scanning control circuits  101  and  102  are commonly disposed the respective active matrix regions  103  to  105  and  106  to  108 . Then, the horizontal scanning control circuits  101  and  102  are operated at different timings, and images formed by the active matrix regions  103  to  105  and  106  to  108  are synthesized and projected. With this operation, the horizontal scanning frequency required for one horizontal scanning control circuit can be made half of the horizontal scanning frequency of the display screen.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a display unit and a display method fordisplaying a variety of information. In particular, the presentinvention relates to a display unit and a display method, through whichbeing capable of recognizing different images from each other by aplurality of viewers. For example, the present invention relates to adisplay unit and a display method, through which being capable ofviewing a plurality of images displayed on an identical screen by aplurality of observers independently from each other. Also, the presentinvention relates to a unit and a method, which selectively recognizeand display only specific information from a plurality of images whichare displayed simultaneously. Also, the present invention relates to adisplay unit and display method, through which being capable ofselectively viewing only specific information. Then, the presentinvention relates to a display unit and a display method, through whichbeing capable of converting an image recognized by a viewer into athree-dimensional image.

2. Description of the Related Art

Up to now, there have been known techniques by which different imagesare displayed on an identical screen. For example, there have been knowna method of dividing one screen so as to display a large number ofprograms simultaneously, and a method of superimposing and displaying aplurality of images on one screen.

In the former method, since the respective images are displayedindependently on the screen, a large number of programs and images canbe viewed simultaneously with relative ease. However, in the lattermethod, a plurality of images are superimposed on each other, resultingin a program that make it difficult to view those images.

Moreover, in either case, since a plurality of images are displayedsimultaneously, a viewer must select an object to be viewed.

This leads to a problem in the case where a plurality of viewers view aplurality of different screens simultaneously. For example, in the caseof displaying an image which can be viewed by a viewer A but cannot beviewed by a viewer B, the above-mentioned method cannot be utilized.

Also, there has been known a technique by which a three-dimensionalimage (cubic image) is displayed as an image (refer to“Three-dimensional Display Unit” written by Chizuro Masuda, published bySangyo Tosho Co., initially on May 25, 1990).

However, in the above-mentioned technique in which different images areviewed by a plurality of viewers simultaneously, there has not beenknown a technique in which a three-dimensional image can be viewed bythem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and thereforean object of the present invention is to provide a structure by which aplurality of viewers can view different images displayed on an identicalscreen, independently. In other words, the object of the presentinvention is to provide the structure by which the images displayed onthe identical screen can be selected individually and viewed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a structure bywhich the above images can be converted into three-dimensional images,respectively.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a displaymethod by which the above problems are solved.

In order to solve the above problems, according to one aspect of thepresent invention, there is provided a display unit, through which beingcapable of viewing different images by a plurality of viewers,respectively, as shown in a specific example of FIG. 1, comprising:

means 11 for displaying a plurality of different images on an identicalscreen; and

means 13 and 14 for selecting said plurality of images for each of theviewers.

The above display unit is designed so that two images which aredisplayed on a display unit 11 and divided with time are viewed throughglasses 13 and 14 each having an optical shutter, thereby being capableof selectively viewing only a predetermined image.

FIG. 1 shows an example in which two images are viewed individually, andas time-division is more increased, more images can be viewedindividually. The structure shown in FIG. 1 enables viewing a desiredimage by changing a timing of shuttering the glasses 13 or 14. Also, ifa plurality of viewers use shutters having an identical timing, they canview an identical image simultaneously.

According to another structure of the present invention, there isprovided, as shown in a specific example of FIG. 1, a display unit,through which being capable of viewing different images by a pluralityof viewers, respectively, comprising means 11 for dividing a pluralityof different images on an identical screen with time to displayseparated images; and means 13 and/or 14 having an optical shutter;wherein said means 13 and/or 14 having the optical shutter opens and/orshuts said optical shutter in synchronism with a timing at which theplurality of images are separated, and selectively transmits one of theimages divided with time.

The above structure allows the glasses (for example, indicated byreference numeral 13) which is means having the optical shutter to beappropriately selected, thereby being capable of selectively recognizingonly a required image. For example, the above structure can realize asituation in which only a specific person can view a specific image oronly a specific person cannot view a specific image in a state where aplurality of persons view an identical screen.

According to still another structure of the present invention, there isprovided, as shown in a specific example of FIG. 3, a display unit,through which being capable of viewing different images by a pluralityof viewers, respectively, comprising means (CRT 21 in the figure) fordividing a plurality of different images on an identical screen withtime to display separated images; and means (means which is made up of apolarizing plate 22, a π cell 23 and a ¼ wavelength plate 24, or meanswhich is made up of a π cell 23 in the figure) for giving a differentpolarizing state to at least one of the separated images.

With the above structure, there can be obtained a unit which divides aplurality of images (may be two or more images) with time to display theseparated images, and recognizes one of the images selectively by usinga filter that gives a specific polarizing state to one of the separatedimages to selectively transmit the polarizing state.

For example, in the structure shown in FIG. 3, two images from a CRT 21,which are divided with time, are polarized counterclockwise or clockwiseby a polarizing plate 22 and a ¼ wavelength plate 24. Then, a π cell 23is used to further give a specific polarizing state to a specific imagewhich is divided with time, thereby converting its polarizing state intoa clockwise circular polarizing state. In this example, the use ofclockwise circular polarizing glasses 25 and counterclockwise circularpolarizing glasses 26 enables viewing selectively two images.

According to yet still another structure of the present invention, thereis provided, as shown in a specific structure of FIG. 5, a display unit,through which being capable of viewing different images by a pluralityof viewers, respectively, comprising means 31 and 32 for displaying twoimages having different polarizing states on an identical image 35; andmeans 36 and 37 for selectively transmitting said images havingdifferent polarizing states in correspondence with said plurality ofviewers.

The structure shown in FIG. 5 is that two images projected fromprojecting units (for example, liquid-crystal projectors) 31 and 32 areprojected on a screen 35 through polarizing plates 33 and 34 havingdifferent polarizing directions, respectively. Then, those imagesprojected on the screen 35 are viewed through glasses 36 having apolarizing plate which is identical in polarizing direction with thepolarizing plate 33 and glasses 37 having a polarizing plate which isidentical in polarizing direction with the polarizing plate 34. As aresult, display projected from the projecting unit 31 can be selectivelyviewed through the glasses 36 Also, display projected from theprojecting unit 32 can be selectively viewed through the glasses 37.

In the above manner, one viewer wearing the glasses 36 and anotherviewer wearing the glasses 37 can view different images independently.

According to yet still another structure of the present invention, asshown by its principle in FIGS. 8 to 10, there is provided a displayunit that displays images different depending upon visual points, usinga lenticular lens 70 or a parallax barrier, which is characterized inthat a non-display region that does not conduct display or a regionwhere display of a predetermined background color is conducted isdisposed between the respective display data which constitute differentimages.

In the above structure, the display data is defined as display of aminimum unit that constitutes a pixel or an image.

According to yet still another structure of the present invention, asshown by its operating timing in FIG. 2, a feature is that a screen onwhich a plurality of images which are divided with time are displayed isviewed intermittently at a timing which is identical with a timing whendividing the image with time, to thereby selectively recognize one ofsaid plurality of images.

In other words, in a state where an image A which is made up of A₀, A₁,. . . , and an image B which is made up of B₀, B₁, . . . , are dividedwith time, as shown in FIG. 2, one viewer is allowed to recognize theimage A which is made up of A₀, A₁, . . . , whereas another viewer isallowed to recognize the image B which is made up of B₀, B₁, . . . ,through an optical shutter.

It is preferable to use an optical shutter which is as high as possiblein response speed as means for viewing the image intermittently. Also,in order to allow the image to be recognized as a continuous image, itis necessary to take into consideration a period of time during which aresidual image remains in setting a timing for viewing the imageintermittently. Also, it is preferable to provide a period of timeduring which any image is not viewed in order to reduce the cross-talkof the different images. In other words, it is preferable to provide aperiod of time during which all of a plurality of optical shutters areshut.

According to yet still another structure of the present invention, asshown in the specific example of FIG. 5, a feature is that a screen 55on which a plurality of images having different polarizing states aredisplayed is viewed through a plurality of polarizing filters 57 and 56having different polarizing states, respectively, to thereby recognizesaid plurality of images, independently.

The structure shown in FIG. 5 uses a glasses-type polarizing filter.However, as another structure, polarizing filters as indicated byreference numerals 113 and 114 in FIG. 12 may be disposed before theeyes of viewers as if they look like screens.

According to yet still another structure of the present invention, asshown in the specific example of FIG. 5, a feature is that a screen 505on which a plurality of images containing an image having apredetermined polarizing state are displayed is viewed through a filter56 or 57 that selectively transmits said predetermined polarizing state,to selectively recognize only an image having said predeterminedpolarizing state.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provideda display unit, through which being capable of viewing different imagesby a plurality of viewers, respectively, comprising:

means for forming an image which is optically modulated by an integratedliquid-crystal panel;

means for displaying a plurality of different images on an identicalscreen; and

means for selecting said plurality of images for each of the viewers;

wherein said integrated liquid-crystal panel is so arranged as toprovide active matrix regions where images of M×N are formed, and aregion having peripheral circuits of M+N on a substrate, assuming that Mand N are natural numbers of 2 or more;

wherein said M-peripheral circuits conduct horizontal scanning controlof the N-active matrix regions simultaneously; and

wherein said N-peripheral circuits conduct vertical scanning control ofthe M-active matrix regions simultaneously.

According to another structure of the present invention, there isprovided a display unit, through which being capable of viewingdifferent images by a plurality of viewers, respectively, comprising:

means for forming an image which is optically modulated by an integratedliquid-crystal panel;

means for dividing a plurality of different images on an identicalscreen with time to display separated images; and

means having an optical shutter;

wherein said integrated liquid-crystal panel is so arranged as toprovide active matrix regions where images of M×N are formed, and aregion having peripheral circuits of M+N on a substrate, assuming that Mand N are natural numbers of 2 or more;

wherein said M-peripheral circuits conduct horizontal scanning controlof the N-active matrix regions simultaneously;

wherein said N-peripheral circuits conduct vertical scanning control ofthe M-active matrix regions simultaneously; and

wherein said means having said optical shutter opens and shuts saidoptical shutter in synchronism with a timing at which the image isseparated, to selectively transmit one of the images divided with time.

According to still another structure of the present invention, there isprovided a display unit, through which being capable of viewingdifferent images by a plurality of viewers, respectively, comprising:

means for forming an image which is optically modulated by an integratedliquid-crystal panel;

means for dividing a plurality of different images on an identicalscreen with time to display separated images; and

means for giving a different polarizing state to at least one of theseparated images;

wherein said integrated liquid-crystal panel is so arranged as toprovide active matrix regions where images of M×N are formed, and aregion having peripheral circuits of M+N on a substrate, assuming that Mand N are natural numbers of 2 or more;

wherein said M-peripheral circuits conduct horizontal scanning controlof the N-active matrix regions simultaneously; and

wherein said N-peripheral circuits conduct vertical scanning control ofthe M-active matrix regions simultaneously.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a display unit, through which being capable of viewingdifferent images by a plurality of viewers, respectively, comprising:

means for displaying a plurality of different images on an identicalscreen;

means for selecting said plurality of images for each of the viewers;and

means for converting the image viewed by each of the viewers into athree-dimensional display.

A specific example of the above structure is shown in FIGS. 18 to 20.The structure shown in FIG. 19 forms a three-dimensional image (cubicimage) by a control circuit 511 the details of which are shown in FIG.18 and an integrated liquid-crystal panel 507 controlled by the controlcircuit 511 which is shown in FIG. 14, to use the selection of apredetermined polarizing state and the time-division system together,thereby being capable of providing three-dimensional images which aredifferent between two viewers or viewers separated into two groups.

According to another structure of the present invention, there isprovided a display unit, through which being capable of viewingdifferent images by a plurality of viewers, respectively, comprising:means for displaying a plurality of different images on an identicalscreen; means for selecting said plurality of different images for eachof the viewers; and means for selecting the images which can be viewedby each of the viewers from two-dimensional display or three-dimensionaldisplay.

The above structure is characterized in that, in the structure shown inan example of FIGS. 18 to 20, in particular, in a control circuit shownin FIG. 18, a two-dimensional image and a three-dimensional image can beappropriately selected.

According to still another structure of the present invention, a featureis to comprise: means for forming a plurality of images which aredivided with time, respectively; means for giving different polarizingstates to one and others of said plurality of images, respectively;means for superimposing said plurality of images on each other toproject the superimposed images; means for dividing the images which aredivided with time by an optical shutter; and means for selectivelytransmitting said different polarizing states, respectively.

A specific example of the above structure is shown in FIGS. 18 to 20. Inthe structure shown in FIGS. 18 to 20, two color images which aredivided with time are formed by a liquid-crystal panel 511 (its detailsare shown in FIG. 14) shown in FIG. 19, and then allowed to betransmitted through polarizing plates 512 and 513 (or appropriatepolarization giving means), thereby giving two different polarizingstates to those two color images. Then, those images are reflected froman optical system 508 by a mirror 509 so as to be superimposedlyprojected on a screen 510, and the images projected on the screen 510are selected by polarizing plates 404, 405 and liquid-crystal shutters406, 407. In this manner, the viewer wearing the glasses 402 can view apredetermined three-dimensional image.

According to yet still another structure of the present invention, thereis provided a method of displaying 2n-kinds of different images on anidentical screen, assuming that n is a natural number of 1 or more, inwhich said 2n-kinds of different images are separated into n-images bytime-division, and also separated by giving two polarizing statesthereto.

A specific example of the above structure is shown in FIG. 23. What isshown in FIG. 23 is an operating timing chart in the case of operatingthe structure shown in FIG. 22. FIG. 23 shows an example in whichthree-dimensional images indicated by symbols A, B and C are displayedand then separated, respectively.

Since the three-dimensional image requires two images for a viewer'sright eye and left eye, when three-dimensional images are displayed,independent images of 6 kinds of 2×3 are required. In the case ofconducting the operation shown in FIG. 23, this is a case of n=3.

In the operation shown in FIG. 23, the images are divided with time bythe operation of an optical shutter into A₀₁, A₀₂, further B₀₁, B₀₂,still further C₀₁, C₀₂. Further, A₀₁ and A₀₂ are separated, further B₀₁and B₀₂ are separated, still further C₀₁ and C₀₂ are separated, by afilter that selectively transmits two polarizing states. In this way,for each of three viewers (or a plurality of viewers which are separatedinto three groups), there can be provided an image for his right eye andan image for his left eye. Thus, those three-dimensional images can beviewed by the individual viewers.

According to yet still another structure of the present invention, thereis provided a method of projecting one image consisting of R, G and B,and the other image consisting of R′, G′ and B′ on an identicalprojection plane, which is characterized in that different polarizingstates are given to said one image and said other image, and each ofsaid one image and said other image is further made up of a plurality ofdifferent images which are divided with time.

According to yet still another structure of the present invention, thereis provided a method of projecting first images which have a firstpolarizing state and are divided with time into a right-eye image and aleft-eye image, and second images which have a second polarizing statedifferent from said first polarizing state and are divided with timeinto a right-eye image and a left-eye image on an identical projectionplane, which is characterized in that said first images are selectivelytransmitted by optical means for selectively transmitting said firstpolarizing state, and said first image transmitted is viewed by rightand left eyes of a viewer while being divided with time by using anoptical shutter, to thereby selectively obtain a first three-dimensionalimage; and said second images are selectively transmitted by opticalmeans for selectively transmitting said second polarizing state, andsaid second image transmitted is viewed by right and left eyes of theviewer while being divided with time by using an optical shutter, tothereby selectively obtain a second three-dimensional image.

A specific example of the above structure is shown in FIG. 21. FIG. 21shows images A_(i) and B_(i) (i is a natural number containing 0) havinga first polarizing state, and images C_(i) and D_(i) having a secondpolarizing state. A, B and C, D represent images for right eyes andimages for left eyes.

The first polarizing states indicated by A_(i) and B_(i) are selectivelytransmitted by polarizing plates 404 and 405 shown in FIG. 20, and theimage thus transmitted is divided with time by liquid-crystal shutters(optical shutters) 406 and 407, to thereby obtain the image A_(i) forthe right eye and the image B_(i) for the left eye.

The second polarizing states indicated by C_(i) and D_(i) areselectively transmitted by polarizing plates 408 and 409 shown in FIG.20, and the image thus transmitted is divided with time byliquid-crystal shutters (optical shutters) 410 and 411, to therebyobtain the image C_(i) for the right eye and the image D_(i) for theleft eye.

According to yet still another structure of the present invention, thereis provided a method of projecting first images which have a firstpolarizing state and are divided with time into a right-eye image and aleft-eye image, and second image which have a second polarizing statedifferent from said first polarizing state and are divided with timeinto a right-eye image and a left-eye image on an identical projectionplane, which is characterized in that said first and second images areobtained as images which have two different polarizing states and aresuperimposed on each other by using an optical shutter, and those imagesare separated into an image for a viewer's right eye and an image forhis left eye by first optical means for selectively transmitting saidfirst polarizing state and second optical means for selectivelytransmitting said second polarizing state.

As a specific example of the above structure, there is shown a case inwhich a positional relation between a polarizing plate and aliquid-crystal shutter on the portion of glasses is exchanged in thestructure shown in FIG. 20.

According to yet still another structure of the present invention, thereis provided a method of obtaining, as a first three-dimensional imageand a second three-dimensional image, first images having a firstpolarizing state, which are obtained by dividing with time anddisplaying a plurality of different three-dimensional images for aviewer's right eye and his left eye, and second images having a secondpolarizing state different from said first polarizing state, which areobtained by dividing with time and displaying a plurality of differentthree-dimensional images for a viewer's right eye and his left eye,which is characterized in that a specific image which is divided withtime from said first and second images is selected by an opticalshutter, an image for his right eye or his left eye is obtained byoptical means that selectively transmits said first polarizing statefrom said selected image, and an image for his right eye or his left eyeis obtained by optical means that selectively transmits said secondpolarizing state from said selected image.

An operating timing chart of a specific example of the above structureis shown in FIG. 23. What is shown in FIG. 23 is an operating timingchart in the case of operating the structure shown in FIG. 22.

In the operation shown in FIG. 23, a display screen 1 and a displayscreen 2 have different polarizing states. On the display screen 1 aredisplayed images for viewer's right eye of three-dimensional images A, Band C. On the display screen 2 are displayed images for his left eye ofthose three-dimensional images A, B and C.

First, an image for his right eye and an image for his left eye of theimage A are selected by a liquid-crystal shutter (optical shutter) shownin FIG. 22. For example, the image for his right eye of the image A isindicated by A₀₁ whereas the image for his left eye of the image A isindicated by A₀₂. Similarly, the images for his right eye and the imagesfor high left eye, of the images B and C are selected by theliquid-crystal shutter.

Then, the image A₀₁ for his right eye and the image A₀₂ for his left eyeare separated from each other using a polarizing plate which is meansfor selectively transmitting the respective polarizing states. In thismanner, the images for his right eye and the images for his left eye, ofthe respective images A, B and C can be selected individually. Thus,three-dimensional images can be viewed by three viewers (or a pluralityof viewers which are separated into three groups), individually.

According to yet still another aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a method of obtaining, as a first three-dimensional image and asecond three-dimensional image, first images having a first polarizingstate, which are obtained by dividing with time and displaying aplurality of different three-dimensional images for a viewer's right eyeand his left eye, and second images having a second polarizing statedifferent from said first polarizing state, which are obtained bydividing with time and displaying a plurality of differentthree-dimensional images for a viewer's right eye and his left eye,which is characterized in that said first images are obtained by opticalmeans that transmits said first polarizing state, an image for his righteye or left eye of a specific image is obtained by dividing said firstimages with time by an optical shutter, said second images are obtainedby optical means that transmits said second polarizing state, and animage for his left eye or right eye of a specific image is obtained bydividing said second images with time by an optical shutter.

As a specific example of the above structure, there is shown a case inwhich a positional relation between a polarizing plate and aliquid-crystal shutter is exchanged in the structure shown in FIG. 22.

For facilitation of understanding the present invention described inthis specification, an example of a timing chart shown in FIG. 23 isdescribed. What is shown in FIG. 23 is an example in whichthree-dimensional images A, B and C are displayed on an identicalscreen, and then separated, respectively, so as to be viewed by threeviewers.

For example, the three-dimensional image indicated by A includes animage for his right eye of the image A, which is made up of a frameA_(i1) and an image for his left eye of the image A, which is made up ofa frame A_(i2), assuming that i is a natural number including 0.

The display screen 1 and the display screen 2 have different polarizingstates, respectively. For example, the different polarizing states aregiven to the display screens 1 and 2 such that the display screen 1 hasvertical polarization whereas the display screen 2 has horizontalpolarization.

For example, a viewer that wants to selectively view the image A puts onglasses indicated by reference numeral 601 in FIG. 22 to view a screen510. The display screen 1 and the display screen 2 in FIG. 23 aresuperimposedly displayed on the screen 510.

In this situation, liquid-crystal shutters 604 and 605 provided on theglasses 601 are opened/shut simultaneously, thereby allowing only aframe of the image A to be selectively transmitted. Then, an imageA_(i1) for his right eye and an image A_(i2) for his left eye areseparated from each other by a polarizing plate 603 that allows thepolarizing state of the display screen 1 to be transmitted. In this way,the viewer who puts on the glasses 601 can selectively view thethree-dimensional image A.

Different images which are divided with time are displayed on anidentical screen, and those different images are appropriately selectedusing an optical shutter, thereby being capable of selecting thedifferent images for each of a plurality of viewers. Then, the differentimages can be viewed simultaneously by the plurality of viewers. Also,the plurality of images are separated to be displayed while beingchanged in polarizing state with time, and then those images are viewedthrough filters that transmit specific polarizing states, respectively.As a result, the viewers can selectively view the respective images.Furthermore, the image can be exhibited to the viewers as a cubic image.

Further, two images different in polarizing state are displayed on anidentical screen, and those images are viewed using optical means thatselectively transmits the respective different polarizing states so thatthe viewer can view the different images. In other words, the imagesdisplayed on the identical screen can be viewed independently andsimultaneously by a plurality of viewers. Moreover, the images can beexhibited to the viewers as a cubic image.

Further, a plurality of images are separated and displayed using alenticular screen, thereby being capable of viewing the different imagesby a plurality of viewers, independently.

Further, a plurality of images are separated and displayed using aparallax barrier, thereby being capable of viewing the different imagesby a plurality of viewers, independently.

In this manner, a plurality of images are displayed on an identicalscreen simultaneously, and those images are separated through a methodof dividing the images with time, a method of using a polarizing state,or a method using a lenticular screen or a parallax barrier, so as to beviewed independently.

Using the above methods, the different images can be displayed on theidentical screen for each of a plurality of viewers.

Also, the above structure can be used to provide information to only aspecific viewer among a plurality of viewers. The above structure may beapplied for a variety of information display means, play devices, devicefor education or study, etc. In other words, taking such an advantagethat different images can be viewed for each of viewers, the abovestructure can be used for selectively providing a variety of informationor images to a plurality of viewers.

The above and further objects, features and advantages of the inventionwill appear more fully from the accompanying drawings and the followingdetailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the outline of a display unit, through whichbeing capable of viewing different images by a plurality of viewerssimultaneously, using a time-division display;

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an operating timing chart whenthe structure shown in FIG. 1 is operated;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the outline of a display unit, through whichbeing capable of viewing different images by a plurality of viewerssimultaneously, with a change of the polarizing state by a time-divisiondisplay;

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an operating timing chart whenthe structure shown in FIG. 3 is operated;

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the outline of a display unit, through whichbeing capable of viewing different images by a plurality of viewerssimultaneously, using a difference of polarizing states;

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of an operating timing chart whenthe structure shown in FIG. 5 is operated;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an electric structure of the structureshown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the principle when different images isviewed by a plurality of viewers simultaneously, using a lenticularlens;

FIGS. 9A to 9D show examples in the case of displaying a plurality ofimages, using a lenticular lens;

FIG. 10 shows an example in the case of displaying a plurality ofimages, using a parallax barrier;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the outline of a structure that displays aplurality of images using a lenticular lens or a parallax barrier;

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the outline of a structure that displays aplurality of images using different polarizing states;

FIGS. 13A and 13B show an example of images displayed on a screen of aplay device using the device shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 shows the structure of the outline of an integrated activematrix type liquid-crystal panel for forming an image;

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the structure of the outline of aprojection type display unit using the liquid-crystal panel shown inFIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the structure of an integratedliquid-crystal panel;

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing the structure of an integratedliquid-crystal panel;

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the outline of a control circuit in adisplay unit in accordance with this embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the outline of a projection-typeliquid-crystal display unit;

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a structure, through which being capable ofviewing a three-dimensional image, individually;

FIG. 21 is a timing chart used in the case of viewing athree-dimensional image, individually;

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the structure, through which being capableof viewing a three-dimensional image, individually;

FIG. 23 is a timing chart used in the case of viewing athree-dimensional image, individually; and

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the structure of an integratedliquid-crystal panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Now, a description will be given in more detail of embodiments of thepresent invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First Embodiment)

A first embodiment relates to a structure in which a plurality of imagesare divided with time and displayed on an identical screen, and then oneof those divided images are selected using an optical shutter so thatthe different images can be viewed by a plurality of viewers,independently.

FIG. 1 shows an outline of the structure of a display unit in accordancewith this embodiment. The structure shown in FIG. 1 relates to thestructure in which images which are divided with time and displayed on ascreen of a display 11 are viewed using glasses 13 and 14 havingliquid-crystal shutters whereby viewers using the respective glasses canview the respective different images.

FIG. 2 shows an operating timing chart used when operating the structureshown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, an image A and an image B arealternately displayed every two frames on a screen 11 which is a displayscreen.

In order to maintain an image quality to a certain level or more, aperiod of time for one frame is preferably set to {fraction (1/60)}(s)or shorter, and more preferably if it is {fraction (1/120)}(s) orshorter, flicker or the like can be prevented.

If this screen is viewed directly, the images A and B are viewed,superimposed on each other. Therefore, in the structure shown in FIG. 1,using the glasses 13 and 14 having liquid-crystal shutters that selecttransmission or non-transmission in synchronism with the display timingso that the viewers who put on the respective glasses can view theimages A and B as if the images A and B are separated from each other.It should be noted that the liquid-crystal shutters of the respectiveglasses are appropriately controlled by a control unit 12 in accordancewith the display state of the screen. Also, although being not shown inFIG. 2, the open/shut time for the shutter is preferably shorter thanthe display time for one frame.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the image A₀ is being displayed, theliquid-crystal shutter of the A-glasses 13 is opened so that a viewerwho puts on the A-glasses can view the display of A₀. Also, since theliquid-crystal shutter of the B-glasses 14 is shut, a viewer who puts onthe B-glasses cannot view the display of A₀.

Conversely, when the image B₀ of the subsequent frame is beingdisplayed, the liquid-crystal shutter of the B-glasses 14 is opened sothat a viewer who puts on the B-glasses can view the display of B₀.Also, since the liquid-crystal shutter of the A-glasses 13 is shut, aviewer who puts on the A-glasses cannot view the display of B₀.

In this way, images A and B are alternately displayed while theliquid-crystal shutters of the A-glasses and the B-glasses arealternately switched between the open state and the close state. Withthis operation, the viewer who puts on the A-glasses 13 can selectivelyview images indicated by A₀, A₁, A₂, A₃, . . . whereas the viewer whoputs on the B-glasses 14 can selectively view images indicated by B₀,B₁, B₂, B₃, . . .

In this way, while viewing the identical screen 11, the viewer who putson the A-glasses 13 and the viewer who puts on the B-glasses 14 can viewdifferent images, respectively.

It should be noted that the open/shut scanning operation of theliquid-crystal shutters of the respective glasses is conducted by theapplication of a signal from the control unit 12. A method of supplyingthe signal may be a method using a connection code which is applied tothis embodiment, or a method using a wireless system withelectromagnetic waves or ultrasonic waves.

(Second Embodiment)

A second embodiment is characterized in that an image a polarizing stateof which is clockwise circular polarization and an image a polarizingstate of which is counterclockwise circular polarization are switchedwith time-division and displayed, and those images are viewed throughglasses (clockwise circular polarization glasses) which transmit theclockwise circular polarization and glasses (counterclockwise circularpolarization glasses) which transmit the counterclockwise circularpolarization, whereby the image of the clockwise circular polarizationglasses is selectively recognized through the clockwise circularpolarization glasses, and the image of the counterclockwise circularpolarization glasses is selectively recognized through thecounterclockwise circular polarization glasses.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a specified structure of a display unit inaccordance with this embodiment. In the structure shown in FIG. 3, animage formed in a CRT 21 is displayed with time-division as shown inFIG. 4. At a timing shown in FIG. 4, one-frame display is alternatelyconducted during {fraction (1/60)} seconds. It should be noted that thelength of one frame is preferably set to {fraction (1/60)} sec or lessto maintain the high image quality.

A light emitted from the CRT 21 is converted into a straight polarizedlight through a polarizing plate 22. The polarizing state of thestraight polarized light is changed in a π cell 23.

The π cell 23 is operated by a controller 27 in synchronism with thedisplay timing on the CRT 21 while controlling an element driver 28. Theπ cell 23 is driven by the element driver 28 and directly transmits astraight polarized light which is incident when the output of the driver28 is in an on-state. Also, the π cell 23 allows the polarizing state ofthe transmitted light to rotate by 90° when the output of the driver 28is in an off-state. The action of rotating the polarization state by 90°can be obtained by using the optical rotation property of liquidcrystal.

The transmission light which is transmitted by the π cell 23 has thestraight polarization states which are different from each other by 90°in accordance with the on-state or the off-state of the π cell 23. Then,the light which has been transmitted by the π cell 23 is allowed to betransmitted by a ¼-wavelength plate 24, thereby being capable ofseparating the light into a light having a clockwise circularpolarization state and a light having a counterclockwise circularpolarization state, respectively.

In this embodiment, the transmitted light of the clockwise circularpolarization is produced when the π cell 23 is in the off-state, and thetransmitted light of the counterclockwise circular polarization isproduced when the π cell 23 is in the on-state. In other words, a lightwhich is transmitted by the ¼-wavelength plate 24 is converted into theclockwise circular polarized light and the counterclockwise circularpolarized light in accordance with the on/off operation of the π cell.

The clockwise circular polarized light and the counterclockwise circularpolarized light are alternately imaged every {fraction (1/60)} sec bytime-division display. In the structure shown in FIG. 3, the clockwisecircular polarized light and the counterclockwise circular polarizedlight are alternately imaged on the ¼-wavelength plate 24.

When the projected images are viewed by the clockwise circularpolarizing glasses 25 and the counterclockwise circular polarizingglasses 26, the clockwise circular polarized light can be selectivelyviewed by the clockwise circular polarizing glasses 25. Also, thecounterclockwise circular polarized light can be selectively viewed bythe counterclockwise circular polarizing glasses 26.

In other words, as shown in FIG. 4, a viewer who puts on the clockwisecircular polarizing glasses can view only the frames of A₀, A₁, A₂, . .. , so as to selectively view the image A. Also, a viewer who puts onthe counterclockwise circular polarizing glasses can view only theframes of B₀, B₁, B₂, . . . , so as to selectively view the image B.

In the structure shown in this embodiment, since there is required nouse of glasses having a specific element as shown in the structure ofFIG. 1, a load applied to the viewer who views the image can be lowered.Also, the degree of freedom of the circumstances where the image isviewed can be enhanced.

(Third Embodiment)

A third embodiment is characterized in that two images different inpolarizing states are synthesized and projected, and the projected imageis viewed using the glasses that selectively transmit the respectivepolarized lights, whereby those two images are selectively viewed by theviewers who put on the respective glasses.

FIG. 5 shows an outline of the structure of a display unit in accordancewith this embodiment. What is shown in FIG. 5 is a structure in whichthe respective different images are superimposed and projected on ascreen 35 by two liquid-crystal projectors 31 and 32, and thoseprojected images are viewed through polarizing glasses 36 and 37.

The image projected from the liquid-crystal projector 31 is projected onthe screen 35 through a polarizing plate 33. The polarizing plate 33includes a function of transmitting the straight polarized light havinga vertical polarizing direction. Hence, the image projected from theprojector 31 onto the screen 35 has the vertical straight polarization.

On the other hand, the image projected from the liquid-crystal projector32 is projected on the screen 35 through a polarizing plate 34. Thepolarizing plate 34 includes a function of transmitting the straightpolarized light having a horizontal polarizing direction. Hence, theimage projected from the projector 32 onto the screen 35 has thehorizontal straight polarization.

Also, the polarizing glasses 36 have a function of transmitting thevertical straight polarized light, and the polarizing glasses 37 have afunction of transmitting the horizontal straight polarized light.

Hence, the image projected from the projector 31 to the screen 35 can beselectively viewed through the glasses 36. In other words, the imagefrom the projector 31 can be viewed without viewing the image from theprojector 32.

Also, the image projected from the projector 32 to the screen 35 can beselectively viewed through the glasses 37. In other words, the imagefrom the projector 32 can be viewed without viewing the image from theprojector 31.

In other words, since the glasses 36 have the function of transmittingthe vertical straight polarized light but not transmitting thehorizontal straight polarized light, the image projected from theprojector 31 can be viewed but no image projected from the projector 32can be viewed.

On the other hand, since the glasses 37 have the function oftransmitting the horizontal straight polarized light but nottransmitting the vertical straight polarized light, the image projectedfrom the projector 32 can be viewed but no image projected from theprojector 31 can be viewed.

In this way, the viewer who puts on the glasses 36 and the viewer whoputs on the glasses 37 can view the respective different images.

FIG. 6 shows a timing chart for operating the structure of a displayunit shown in FIG. 5. In FIG. 6, one frame of the image projected fromthe projector 31 is indicated by A_(i) (i is a natural number including0). Also, one frame of the image projected from the projector 32 isindicated by A_(j) (j is a natural number including 0).

In order to maintain the normal image quality, the length of one frameis preferably set to {fraction (1/30)} sec or shorter.

The frames of two images are superimposed on each other simultaneouslyand projected. Then, those two images projected from two projectors canbe observed as individual ones by the viewer wearing the A-glasses andthe viewer wearing the B-glasses.

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram showing the structure shown in FIG. 5. Asshown in FIG. 5, the structure shown in this embodiment can use nospecific image but the normal TV image or video image.

(Fourth Embodiment)

A fourth embodiment relates to a structure in which a plurality ofviewers view different images simultaneously using a lenticular lens 70(lenticular screen). FIG. 8 shows a diagram of the principle of adisplay unit in accordance with this embodiment. Using the lenticularlens, different images can be viewed by making the visual points varied.

For example, the image focussed on a point a of a screen 71 can berecognized from a visual point a′, however, other images cannot berecognized (It is needless to say that other images are viewed a littlesince cross-talk exists.).

In the structure shown in the figure, for example, display data of A isgiven to the display regions a and b of a display LCD 71, display dataof B is given to the display regions c and d, display data of C is givento the display regions e and f, and display data of D is given to thedisplay regions g and h, thereby being capable of viewing different fourimages at different visual points. It should be noted that symbols a, band so on denote specific regions or pixels.

Also, the display data of A is given to a, b, c and d, and the displaydata of B is given to d, e, f and g, thereby being capable of viewingdifferent two images at different visual points.

The method using the lenticular lens 70 in accordance with thisembodiment is to recognize different images depending on visual points.Hence, this leads to such a problem that other images are allowed to beviewed with the visual point being moved. Also, for example, therearises such a problem that it is difficult to completely separate theimages displayed on the points a and b from each other.

In order to release this problem, identical image data is given to imagepoints (one point to which an attention is paid) close to each other sothat different images are prevented from being viewed even though thereexists a slight replacement of the visual points, and also so that anidentical image can be viewed over the wide extent. It should be notedthat if identical image data is given to a large number of pixels, thenthe resolution of images are degraded, which requires attention.

Specifically, in a state shown in FIG. 8, the display data of an image Ais given to a to c of a display unit 71, and the display data of animage B is given to e to g of a display unit 71. With this operation,the display data of the image A displayed on a display region 72 can beselectively viewed on the right side toward the screen. In other words,the display data of the image A can be selectively viewed withoutviewing the display data of the image B.

On the other hand, the display data of the image B displayed on adisplay region 72 can be selectively viewed on the left side toward thescreen 70. In other words, the display data of the image B can beselectively viewed without viewing the display data of the image A.

Then, even though the visual point is replaced right and left, theabove-described viewing can be maintained. In other words, its selectiveviewing can be maintained.

(Fifth Embodiment)

The method described with reference to the fourth embodiment is that thescreen is viewed from the different visual points, thereby being capableof viewing different images, and using this phenomenon, different imagescan be simultaneously viewed by a plurality of viewers.

In this example, it is assumed that the display data of an image A isgiven to a to c, and the display data of an image B is given to e to g.In this case, the respective different images must be viewed at thevisual points d′ and e′. However, in fact, those images are superimposedon each other or made unclear at the visual points d′ and e′.

Specifically, the images A and B may be viewed simultaneously, or theimages A and B may be viewed or not viewed simultaneously or one by onewith the slight movement of the visual point. In other words, cross-talkof the images A and B occurs.

In order to suppress the above phenomenon, this embodiment provides thestructure as stated blow. In other words, in the state shown in FIG. 8,black, white or an appropriate background color is given to a point dbetween the image points c and e as image data, thereby providing aregion (non-display region) where no image is displayed. With thisstructure, the cross-talk of the images A and B can be reduced.

A specific example of a method of suppressing the cross-talk of thedifferent images with the provision of the region (non-display region) 3where no image is displayed is shown in FIGS. 9A to 9D. What is shown inFIGS. 9A to 9D is an example that realizes the above structure using anLCD (liquid-crystal electric field optical device). In FIGS. 9A to 9D,reference numeral 80 denotes a lenticular, and 81 is an image LCD.

If display is monochrome, the non-display region is white or black. Ifdisplay is color, white, black or other appropriate background color canbe selected.

In FIGS. 9A to 9D, what is indicated by oblique lines is a non-displayregion 82 which is a region where black, white or an appropriatebackground color is displayed.

What is shown in FIG. 9A is a comparative example, that is, a structurewhere the cross-talk of the images A and B occurs. It should be notedthat the display region 83 indicated by A, B or the like may be onepixel or a region made up of a plurality of pixels.

FIG. 9B shows a structure in which an non-display region 82 indicated byoblique lines is intentionally formed on a predetermined region of LCD,to thereby suppress the cross-talk of the pixel data of A and Bdisplayed on the display region 83.

FIG. 9C shows a further development of the structure shown in FIG. 9B,that is, a structure in which the cross-talk of the pixel data indicatedby. A to C is suppressed. Similarly, in this case, the non-displayregions 72 are formed between the respective display regions 71 wherethe pixel data is displayed, thereby being capable of reducing thecross-talk between the respective data.

The methods shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C are characterized in that since LCD(liquid-crystal display unit) is used, the non-display region 72 can beformed arbitrarily. In other words, since the non-display regions 72 canbe formed with arbitrary extent at arbitrary locations, for example, acase of displaying image data A and B and a case of displaying imagedata A to C can be appropriately selected.

Also, the degree of cross-talk can be changed. For example, with achange of the area of the non-display region 72, the image data A and Bare mixed, and the degree of display of those image data (they areviewed as if they are mixed depending on the visual points) can becontrolled.

Further, the non-display region 82 is appropriately displayed in such amanner that the image A, the image into which the images A and B aresuperimposed on each other, the image B can be viewed independently inaccordance with view point. In other words, although the number of imagedata is only two, the number of the images which can be viewedindependently can be set to 3. Then, positions and extent where thoseimages can be viewed can be set (adjusted) by using LCD.

Furthermore, in the structure shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C, physical opticalshielding means such as BM (black matrix) may be used to form thenon-display region 82. It should be noted that, in this case, theposition at which the non-display region is formed is inconveniently sofixed as not to be movable.

What is shown in FIG. 9D is an example in which, in addition to theimage formation LCD 81, an optical shutter for selecting the non-displayregion 82 is made up of a shutter LCD 84. Non-transmission regions 85and transmission regions 86 are alternately formed by the open/shutoperation of the shutter LCD 84, thereby being capable of deciding thenon-display regions 82 and the display regions 83. With such astructure, the non-display regions can be formed of only the shutterLCDs, or the non-display regions can be formed with the combination ofthe shutter LCD 84 and the image LCD 81, with the result that the degreeof freedom of operation can be increased.

The display method of this embodiment may be a method of directlyforming an image using LCD as described above. Other display means maybe a projection-type liquid-crystal display unit. Also, using aplurality of projection-type display units, images from the respectivedisplay units may be superimposed on each other.

With the operation shown in FIGS. 9B to 9D, the cross-talk of thedifferent images which are displayed simultaneously can be reduced.

Conversely, the cross-talk of the different images is controlled so thattwo images which are superimposed on each other can be displayedintentionally or with the control of their position, depending on thevisual points.

(Sixth Embodiment)

A sixth embodiment relates to an example in which, using a parallaxbarrier, a plurality of different images are viewed on a display planewhen viewed from different visual points.

This system is concerned with a structure in which slit-like aperturegrills 90 (parallax barrier) are formed on a display plane of thedisplay panel 91 at given intervals as shown in FIG. 10, and the imagesdifferent depending on the visual positions can be observed by viewingthe display plane of the panel 91 through the slit.

For example, in the structure shown in FIG. 10, the display data of theimage A is given to a and b, and the display data of the image B isgiven to d and e. With this conditions, the image A can be selectivelyviewed at the visual points of a′ and b′, and the image B can beselectively viewed at the visual points of d′ and e′.

In the case of applying the structure of this embodiment, the cross-talkof the different images may occur depending on the visual points.Therefore, such a device as described in the fifth embodiment iseffective in the reduction of cross-talk.

Also, it is useful to use an optical shutter employing liquid crystal asthe parallax barrier 90. In this case, since the width, the position,and the interval of the slits can be appropriately set, the number ofimages to be displayed and the position of the visual point are readilyadjusted. In particular, the control of the position of the visual pointis useful in its application.

(Seventh Embodiment)

A seventh embodiment relates to a play device using the structure(structure shown in FIG. 8) described in the fourth embodiment. The playdevice shown in FIG. 8 enables viewing different images depending onpositions (visual points) at which a screen (display plane of an image)is viewed.

In view of this, this embodiment shows an example in which the presentinvention described in this specification is applied to acompetition-type grapple game for two players. FIG. 11 shows thepositional relationship between a display plane and two players.

Two players 101 and 102 view a screen 103, on which an image projectedfrom a liquid-crystal projector 104 is displayed, from different anglessimultaneously. The screen 103 includes a lenticular lens (lenticularscreen) as described in the fourth embodiment (refer to FIG. 8).

Then, it is structured so that the players 101 and 102 can view thedifferent images. The area of the screen 103 is preferably as large aspossible to enhance the play effect. Also, it is important to decide thedisplay way and the positional relation between two players so that thecross-talk of the image from the visual point of the player 101 and theimage from the visual point of the player 102 is prevented fromoccurring.

FIG. 12 shows the structure in which the same effect as that in FIG. 11can be obtained by the principle different from the structure shown inFIG. 11. What is shown in FIG. 12 is that two images having therespective different polarizing states are superimposedly projected on ascreen 115, and those images are separated using filters 113 and 114that transmit the respective polarizing states, whereby the players 111and 112 view different images.

The structure shown in FIG. 12 is described in more detail below. In thestructure shown in FIG. 12, an image which is allowed to be viewed bythe player 111 is formed by a liquid-crystal projector 118, and an imagewhich is allowed to be viewed by the player 112 is formed by aliquid-crystal projector 119. Then, those images are allowed to betransmitted by a polarizing plate 116 that transmits a straightpolarized light vertically and a polarizing plate 117 that transmits astraight polarized light horizontally, thereby being superimposedlyprojected on the screen 115. It should be noted that a screen for thenormal projection-type display unit may be used as the screen 115.

The player 111 views the images superimposedly projected on the screen115 through the polarizing plate 113 that transmits a straightlypolarized light vertically. On the other hand, the player 112 views theimages superimposedly projected on the screen 115 through the polarizingplate 114 that transmits a straightly polarized light horizontally.

As a result, the player 111 selectively views only the image projectedfrom the liquid-crystal projector 118. On the other hand, the player 112selectively views only the image projected from the liquid-crystalprojector 119. In this way, two players can view the respectivedifferent images while viewing the identical screen.

FIG. 13 shows an example of images viewed by the respective players inthe case of using the play device shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. What isshown in FIG. 13 is the play contents of the grapple game. As shown inFIG. 13, the respective players can view a character which ismanipulated by him and a character which is manipulated by acounterpart.

This structure is remarkably characterized in that the competing playerscan view the respective different images simultaneously.

In the case of the structure shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, since only onedisplay screen is provided, the structure can be simplified. Also, thesize of a screen can be increased more in comparison with a case inwhich different screens are disposed.

This embodiment shows an example of a competition-type grapple game fortwo players. However, this structure can be applied for education orleaning. Also, this structure can be used for a case in which differentprograms can be viewed with one screen. Further, this structure can beapplied to a case in which different displays are displayed on anidentical screen in a public service or the like.

(Eighth Embodiment)

An eighth embodiment shows a device for forming an image which can beused in the present invention and the embodiments described in thisspecification. The device for forming an image is generally CRT or aliquid-crystal display unit (LCD). In particular, it is guessed that LCDis used more in the future since it can be made still thin and is smalland light in weight.

The LCD is useful in having the liquid-crystal display unit of theperipheral drive circuit integrated type in which an active matrixregion and a peripheral drive circuit region are integrated on anidentical glass substrate or a quartz substrate small-sized,weight-reduced and thinned, as well as the manufacturing costs reduced.

In this example, it is assumed that the above structure is applied to aprojection-type liquid-crystal display unit that enables color display.In the projection-type liquid-crystal display unit that enables colordisplay, in order to obtain a bright screen, active matrix regions areprovided for the respective R, G and B. In this case, it is requiredthat the active matrix regions for R, G and B and the peripheral drivecircuits for driving the active matrix regions are integrated on anidentical glass substrate or quartz substrate.

In general, a horizontal scanning drive circuit and a vertical scanningdrive circuit as the above drive circuit are required for one activematrix region. Hence, in the case of applying the above-mentionedintegrated structure, the drive circuits must be formed in six regions.

Since the peripheral drive circuit has a high integrated degree, themanufacture of a large number of peripheral drive circuits on anidentical substrate leads to the lowering of a yield as much.

In view of this, the active matrix type liquid-crystal panel describedin this embodiment is structured in such a manner that in the structurein which a plurality of active matrix regions are disposed on anidentical substrate, a horizontal scanning control circuit and/or avertical scanning control circuit are commonly disposed for the pluralactive matrix regions.

FIG. 14 shows the structural outline of an integrated active matrix typeliquid-crystal panel in accordance with this embodiment. The structureshown in FIG. 14 is that active matrix regions where images of M×N areformed and a region having peripheral circuits of M+N are formed on asubstrate, assuming that M and N are natural numbers of 2 or more, theM-peripheral circuits conduct horizontal scanning control of theN-active matrix regions simultaneously, and the N-peripheral circuitsconduct vertical scanning control of the M-active matrix regionssimultaneously.

FIG. 14 shows a case of M=2 and N=3 in the above structure. FIG. 14shows (M=2)×(N=3) active matrix regions 153, 154, 155, 156, 157 and 158.

Also, as the peripheral circuit regions for driving those active matrixcircuits, there are arranged (2+3) peripheral circuits 151, 152, 159,160 and 161. Among those peripheral circuits, the peripheral circuits151 and 152 are horizontal scanning control circuits. Also, theperipheral circuits 159, 160 and 161 are vertical scanning controlcircuits.

In the structure shown in FIG. 14, the horizontal scanning controlcircuits 151 and 152 simultaneously conduct the horizontal scanningcontrol of the active matrix circuits 153, 154 and 155, and the activematrix circuits 156, 157 and 158, respectively.

In other words, the peripheral circuit 151 simultaneously conducts thehorizontal scanning control of the active matrix regions 153, 154 and155. Also, the peripheral circuit 152 simultaneously conducts thehorizontal scanning control of the active matrix regions 156, 157 and158.

Further, the peripheral circuits 159, 160 and 161 simultaneously conductthe vertical scanning control of the active matrix regions 153, 156, theactive matrix regions 154, 157 and the active matrix regions 155, 158,respectively.

In other words, the peripheral circuit 159 simultaneously conducts thevertical scanning control of the active matrix regions 153 and 156.Also, the peripheral circuit 160 simultaneously conducts the verticalscanning control of the active matrix regions 154 and 157. Further, theperipheral circuit 161 simultaneously conducts the vertical scanningcontrol of the active matrix regions 155 and 158.

In the structure shown in FIG. 14, N=3 to obtain the color image of R, Gand B. However, the structure may be M=N=2 (that is, 2×2). Also, it maybe M=2 and N=1. Further, it may be M=1 nd N=2. In this case, colorimages may be obtained in the respective matrix regions using the colorfilters of R, G and B, or monochrome images may be obtained.

As shown in FIG. 14, the (M×N) active matrix regions are generallyarranged in the form of a matrix.

Furthermore, pixels are arranged in the form of a matrix in the activematrix regions, at least one thin-film transistor is arranged on thepixels, a signal applied to the source of thin-film transistor iscontrolled by horizontal scanning control which is conducted by therespective M-peripheral circuits, and a signal applied to the gate ofthin-film transistor is controlled by vertical scanning control which isconducted by the respective N-peripheral circuits.

The pixels in the above structure may be, for example, regions indicatedby addresses (0,0), (1,0), . . . (m,0) shown in FIG. 14. In thestructure shown in FIG. 14, one thin-film transistor is disposed in eachof the pixels.

It should be noted that the number of the thin-film transistors disposedin each of the pixels is not limited to only 1. The method of arrangingthe thin-film transistors may be that a plurality of thin-filmtransistors are connected in series, or the thin-film transistors arearranged in combination with MOS capacity. Also, it is not only thecombination of the identical channel types but the combination ofdifferent channel types.

It should be noted that in the structure shown in FIG. 14, since it isnecessary that the liquid-crystal panel transmits a light, the substrateneed be made of translucent material. Specifically, it is necessary touse a glass substrate or a quartz substrate.

An example of operation of the structure shown in FIG. 14 will bedescribed briefly. In the structure shown in FIG. 14, the operation ofthe vertical scanning control circuits which are indicated by referencenumerals 159 and 160 is basically controlled by the operating clock ofthe vertical scanning control circuit which is indicated by CLKV. Also,the operation of the horizontal scanning control circuits which areindicated by reference numerals 151 and 152 is basically controlled bythe operating clock of the horizontal scanning control circuit which isindicated by CLKH.

Hereinafter, a description will be given of a method of displaying animage in an active matrix region 153 for the purpose of simplifyingdescription. It should be noted that the operation of other activematrix regions complies with the active matrix region 153.

First, when the rising pulse of CLKV (the operating clock of thevertical scanning control circuit) is inputted to a flip-flop circuit202 of a vertical scanning control circuit 159, VSTA (vertical scanningtiming enable signal) is generated. In this situation, the output signalof the flip flop circuit 202 become H level (high in logic level). Also,the output level of another flip flop circuit of the vertical scanningcontrol circuit 159 remains L.

As a result, a gate signal line 211 indicated by a line Y₀ becomes Hlevel. Then, all the thin-film transistors at addresses (0,0), (1,0), .. . (m,0) become on-operation.

In this state, HSTA (horizontal scanning timing enable signal) isgenerated by CLKH (the operating clock of the horizontal scanningcontrol circuit) in the flip-flop circuit 201 of the horizontal scanningcontrol circuit 151, and then a signal level at point X₀ becomes H. Inthis state, points subsequent to X₁ are L (low in logic level).

As a result, a signal of H is inputted to a sampling hold circuit 204through an image sampling signal line 208, and an image data signal of Ris taken in the sampling hold circuit 204.

Then, image data flows in an image signal line 209. In other words, asignal of image data is applied to the source of the thin-filmtransistors at the addresses (0,0), (0,1), (0,2), . . . (0,n).

In this state, all the thin-film transistors at the addresses (0,0),(1,0), . . . (m,0) are in on-state, and the image data signal is appliedto the source of the thin-film transistors at the addresses (0,0),(0,1), (0,2), . . . (0,n) Hence, image data is written in the pixel ataddress (0,0).

Thereafter, the output signal of the flip flop circuit 201 becomes Llevel by the rising edge of the pulse of subsequent CLKH. In otherwords, the point X₀ becomes L level. On the other hand, in the flip flopcircuit 206, the rising edge of the CLKH pulse is inputted, therebychanging its output signal to H level. In other words, the point X₁becomes H level.

As a result, information is written at address (1,0). In this way, theoutput signals of the flip flop circuit X_(m) are sequentially shiftedto H level in accordance with the operating clock of CLKH. Then, imageinformation is sequentially written at address (m,0).

After the completion of writing information on line Y₀, the output levelof the flip flop circuit 202 becomes L and the output level of the flipflop circuit 203 becomes H in accordance with the rising edge of a CLKVsignal. As a result, the signal level at line Y₁ becomes H.

Then, image data information is sequentially written at the addresses(0,1), (1,1), . . . (m,1) on line Y₁. In this way, at the time when thewriting of information up to address (n,m) is completed, one frame iscompleted.

The above operation is conducted at the same timing even in other activematrix regions other than the region 153.

Using the integrated liquid-crystal panel shown in FIG. 14, two colorimages which consist of R, G and B can be obtained simultaneously. It isneedless to say that the color images may have the respective differentcontents.

This embodiment shows the structure in which 6 active matrix regions areintegrated. However, it is possible to further increase the number ofthe integrated active matrix regions. For example, it may be sostructured that RGB, R′G′B′, R″, G″, B″, and nine active matrix regionsare integrated.

In this case, in the structure shown in FIG. 14, only one additionalhorizontal scanning control circuit may be provided. In this case, threepairs of color images can be obtained.

In this way, the integrated active matrix type liquid-crystal panel abasic structure of which is shown in FIG. 14 is characterized in thateven though the integrated active matrix regions are increased innumber, the peripheral drive circuits may not be increased so much.

Specifically, assuming that the number of the integrated active matrixregions is M×N, the required number of peripheral drive circuits may be(M+N). This is very useful in the case of enhancing the integrateddegree.

(Ninth Embodiment) A ninth embodiment shows a projection-typeliquid-crystal display unit using a liquid-crystal panel in which sixactive matrix regions are integrated as shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 15 showsan outline of the projection-type liquid-crystal display unit inaccordance with this embodiment.

The display unit shown in FIG. 15 can be used for the structures ofother embodiments described in this specification.

In the structure shown in FIG. 15, a light from a first light source 602is reflected by a mirror 604, and further spectral into lights ofwavelength regions corresponding to G, B and R by dichroic mirrors 608,609 and 610. Then, the respective lights are made incident to theintegrated liquid-crystal panel 611 shown in FIG. 14.

The optically modulated light in the respective pixel regionscorresponding to RGB in the liquid-crystal panel 611 has an image of Greflected by a mirror 612, an image of B reflected by a half-mirror(semi-transparent mirror) 613, and an image of R reflected by ahalf-mirror (semi-transparent mirror) 614.

The color images thus synthesized is reflected by a mirror 617 throughan optical system 615 and projected on a screen (a projection plane)618. A lens necessary for enlargement projection is disposed in theoptical system 615. Also, an optical shutter that selectively conductsthe transmission/non-transmission of a light as occasion demands andmeans for giving a predetermined polarizing state are disposed in theoptical system 615.

On the other hand, a light from the light source 601 is reflected by amirror 603, and further made spectral into lights corresponding to G′,B′ and R′ by dichroic mirrors 605, 606 and 607, respectively. Then, therespective lights are optically modulated into images corresponding toG′, B′ and R′ in the liquid-crystal panel.

Thereafter, the lights (6 rays in total) corresponding to the opticallymodulated R′, G′ and B′ are synthesized by a mirror group not shown, andthen projected through the optical system 615 and a mirror 616. Theprojected image is reflected by the mirror 617 so as to be projected onthe screen 618.

The integrated liquid-crystal panel 611 (refer to FIG. 14) used in thestructure shown in FIG. 15 can form two different color images. Hence,using this fact, two different color images can be projected on thescreen 618 simultaneously. Also, with the setting of the display timing,two different color images can be displayed with time-division.

The display unit shown in FIG. 15 can be used in the image forming meanswith the structures shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, FIGS. 5, 8 and 10, and FIGS.11 and 12.

For example, in the case of conducting time-division display as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, using the integrated liquid-crystal panel shown in FIG.14, frames, for example, indicated by A₀, A₁, A₂, . . . in FIG. 2 areformed in the active matrix regions 153 to 155 shown in FIG. 14. Also,frames, for example, indicated by B₀, B₁, B₂, . . . in FIG. 2 are formedin the active matrix regions 156 to 158 shown in FIG. 14.

As a result, the images A and B are displayed with time-division. In thecase of directly viewing the images displayed with time-division, theimages A and B which are superimposed on each other are viewed. Toeliminate this problem, in the structure shown in FIG. 1 which wasdescribed in the first embodiment, glasses 13 and 14 havingliquid-crystal shutters that select transmission/non-transmission insynchronism with a display timing are used in such a manner that theimages A and B are viewed as if they are separated from each other bythe viewers that put on the respective glasses.

In order to conduct display with time-division as described above,frames are alternately formed on the active matrix regions 153 to 155and the active matrix regions 156 to 158, thereby being capable oflowering the operating frequency of the respective horizontal scanningcontrol circuits, thus providing a structure which is useful inenhancing the reliability of the circuit. It should be noted that, inthe case of conducting the above time-division display with thestructure shown in FIG. 14, it is necessary that the kind of the CLKHand HSTA signals and their inputting way are made different from thosein the case shown in FIG. 14. In other words, a device is required suchthat the formation of one frame conducted by the horizontal scanningcontrol circuit 101 and the formation of one frame conducted by thehorizontal scanning control circuit 102 are alternately conducted.

Also, in the case of using the display unit shown in FIG. 15 to thestructure in which two images shown in FIG. 5 are synthesized andprojected, one image (color image) is formed in the active matrixregions 153 to 155, and the other image (color image) is formed in theactive matrix regions 156 to 158. Then, those images are synthesized inthe screen 618.

In the case of using the display unit shown in FIG. 15 to the structureusing the lenticular screen shown in FIG. 8 or the parallax barriershown in FIG. 10, the active matrix regions 153 to 155 in which theimages of R, G and B are formed are integrated as shown in FIG. 14 bythe required number of images, and the respective images are formed ineach pair of the respective matrix regions.

The above structure has the significance in that even though the numberof formed images is increased, the load of the horizontal scanningcontrol circuits is not increased.

(Tenth Embodiment)

A tenth embodiment shows still another example of the liquid-crystalpanel shown in FIG. 14. FIG. 16 shows a structure of a liquid-crystalpanel in accordance with this embodiment. What is shown in FIG. 16 is anexample in which the active matrix regions 160 indicated by address (i,j) are integrated in the form of (i+1)×(j+1) matrixes. Even though thedegree of integration is advanced, the number of the peripheral circuitsis only (i+j+2).

As remarkably shown in FIG. 16, the peripheral circuits 161 and 162 arecommonly disposed with respect to the respective active matrix regions,whereby even though a large number of active matrix regions areintegrated, the number of the peripheral circuits is not increased asmuch as the increased number of the active matrix regions.

(Eleventh Embodiment)

An eleventh embodiment shows an example in which in an integratedliquid-crystal panel shown in FIG. 1, the active matrix regions thatform images of R″, G″ and B″ are further integrated. FIG. 7 shows thestructure of the outline of the integrated active matrix typeliquid-crystal panel in accordance with this embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 17, regardless of (3×3) active matrix regions 170 beingintegrated, the peripheral circuits may be made up of only horizontalscanning control circuits 171 to 173 and vertical scanning controlcircuits 174 to 176.

The structure shown in FIG. 17 can form color images consisting of RGB,R′G′B′, R″G″B″. If all the images are identical with each other, highluminance display can be performed. If the respective images aredifferent from each other, different images can be superimposedlydisplayed on an identical screen.

(Twelfth Embodiment)

A twelfth embodiment relates to a display unit using a liquid-crystalpanel which is capable of forming two pairs of images of RGB andintegrated on an identical substrate. Using the display unit, athree-dimensional image can be displayed, and the image is displayed astwo different images which can be recognized by different viewers,independently.

What is shown in FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing the structure fordriving an integrated liquid-crystal panel shown in FIG. 14. Thestructure shown in FIG. 18 is a structure in which a two-dimensionalimage and a three-dimensional image are appropriately selected anddisplayed. In FIG. 18, a two-dimensional image I/F 301 has the functionof converting a TV signal (NTSC signal) or an RGB image signal(two-dimensional image signal) which are inputted from the exterior intoimage signals R_(t), G_(t) and B_(t) in synchronism with a timing of thesystem, and also the function of producing panel control signals HSTA2D,VSTA2D, CLKH2D and CLKV2D, which control the operation of theliquid-crystal panel.

A timing generator 302 generates the operating clocks of the system andthe frequency-division clocks of the operating clocks.

A reset circuit 303 generates an initializing signal when a power isturned on, and a forced initializing signal in accordance with a requestfrom a switch or a sequencer.

A three-dimensional image I/F 304 outputs image data written in an imagebuffer R 305 and an image buffer L 306 together with a control signal insynchronism with the operating rate of the liquid-crystal panel. Also,the image data Rr, Gr, Br, R1, G1, and B1 to be outputted are outputtedthrough a data input/output controller 307 and a DA convertor 308 as ananalog signal.

A sequence control circuit 309 interprets commands inputted from anexternal bus 310 and conducts writing of the command in the image buffermemories 305 and 306, and the setting of a read mode. Also, the sequencecontrol circuit 309 conducts the confirmation of the operating state dueto reading, and a processing responsive to the forced reset request.

An image buffer controller 311 conducts the writing of image data in theimage buffer memories 305 and 306 in accordance with a request from thesequencer 309, and the output control of image data in synchronism withthe operating rate clock of the liquid-crystal panel.

An AP 312 (address pointer) is a pointer that indicates a physicaladdress of the image buffer memories 305 and 306. In this example,control such as increment is performed by the image buffer controller311.

Reference numeral 313 denotes a level conversion circuit that convertsthe respective output signals of the reset circuit 303, the sequencecontrol circuit 309 and the image buffer controller 311 to predeterminedlevels and outputs those converted signals to the exterior.

In this example, the three-dimensional image I/F 304 is provided togenerate two pairs of RGB signals for right eye and left eye. Hence,those two pairs of RGB signals are basically different from each other(it is needless to say that there is a case in which they areidentical).

Also, in the case where two pairs of RGB signals are a completeidentical signal, the identical images are superimposed on each other.Hence, normal two-dimensional image data is displayed. In this case, atwo-dimensional image with high luminance and high resolution can beobtained.

In FIG. 18, CLKH2D denotes the operating clock of the horizontalscanning control circuit for conducting a two-dimensional display HSTA2Ddenotes a horizontal scanning timing enable signal for conducting atwo-dimensional display. Further, HSTA3D denotes a horizontal scanningtiming enable signal for conducting a three-dimensional display.

R_(t), G_(t) and B_(t) denote image data of two-dimensional images suchas a normal TV image. CLKV2D denotes the operating clock of a verticalscanning control circuit for conducting two-dimensional display. VSTA2Ddenotes a vertical scanning timing enable signal for conductingtwo-dimensional display.

MODSEL denotes a mode selector. The mode selector has the function ofswitching display mode between two-dimensional display andthree-dimensional display. In the structure shown in the figure, thetwo-dimensional display is conducted in a state where the mode selectoris inoperative.

VSTA3D denotes a vertical scanning timing enable signal for conductingthree-dimensional display. CLKV3D denotes the operating clock of avertical scanning control circuit for conducting three-dimensionaldisplay.

R_(r), G_(r) and B_(r) denote RGB image data for right. R₁, G₁ and B₁denote RGB image data for left.

CLR denotes a reset signal which resets a circuit of a liquid-crystalpanel portion 315. In FIG. 14, although a wiring through which a CLRsignal is transmitted is omitted, a wiring is in fact formed in such amanner that the CLR signal is transmitted to the respective flip flopcircuits of the horizontal scanning control circuit 316 and the verticalscanning control circuit 317 (omitted for prevention of complicatedfigure).

In the structure shown in FIG. 18, an image signal is selected in a2D/3D image switching section 318, thereby being capable of selectingand displaying the 2D display and the 3D display. In other words, onedisplay unit enables the two-dimensional display and thethree-dimensional display to be selected and displayed. For example, anormal TV image transmitted by analog signals can be displayed, and athree-dimensional computer graphics image transmitted by digital signalscan be also displayed.

FIG. 19 shows the outline of a display unit using the integratedliquid-crystal panel shown in FIG. 14. In FIG. 19, reference numeral 500denotes a casing of the device, and an image enlarged and projected fromthe interior is displayed on a screen 510 disposed in the casing 500.

This example shows the structure in which an image is viewed from theopposite side of an image-projected plane of the screen 510 (in general,called “rear projection”). The basic structure is identical with astructure in which an image is viewed from an image-projected plane ofthe screen 510 (in general, called “projection-type projection”) exceptthat the image is inverse. It should be noted that they are different inthat the projection-type projection has a casing and a screen which arenot integrated.

A two-dimensional/three-dimensional image control circuit 511 an outlineof which is shown in FIG. 18 is incorporated into the casing 500,thereby being capable of appropriately selecting and displaying thetwo-dimensional image and the three-dimensional image. Also, referencenumeral 507 denotes a liquid-crystal panel for forming an image, anoutline of which is shown in FIG. 14.

In FIG. 19, a light from a light source 501 that emits a white light isfirst reflected by a half mirror 502, and then made spectral to lightshaving wavelength regions corresponding to G, B and R by dichroicmirrors 504, 505 and 506.

Similarly, a light reflected by a mirror 503 is made spectral to therespective wavelength regions of B (blue), G (green) and R (red) bydichroic mirrors not shown. In other words, two pairs of light beams(six rays in total) of RGB are produced by two pairs of dichroic mirrorsfor RGB.

Those light beams are made incident to an integrated liquid-crystalpanel 507 an outline of which is shown in FIG. 14. Then, predeterminedimages are formed by optical modulating the light beams by theintegrated liquid-crystal panel 507. In this example, two pairs ofimages of RGB are formed. Those images are projected on the screen 510through the mirror 509 from the optical system 508, and then synthesizedas a color image.

An enlarge-projection lens system is incorporated into the opticalsystem 508. The lens system has a variety of parameters set so that therespective images can be superimposed on each other in the projectionplane 510, and also its arranging method is decided.

Further, a specific polarizing state is given to the respective imagesprojected from the optical system 508 by the polarizing plates 512 and513. In this example, two straightly polarized states different fromeach other by 90° are given to the respective images.

A pair of images to which different polarizing states are given areimages of RGB which are formed in the active matrix regions 153, 154 and155 shown in FIG. 14 and images of R′G′B′ which are formed in the activematrix regions 156, 157 and 158.

In other words, the straight polarization state given the images of RGBformed in the active matrix regions 153, 154 and 155 shown in FIG. 14,and the straight polarization state given the images of R′G′B′ formed inthe active matrix regions 156, 157 and 158 are different in polarizingdirection by 90°.

Hereinafter, a description will be given of the structure in which twodifferent three-dimensional images are displayed using the display unitshown in FIG. 19, and different three-dimensional images can be viewedby two viewers.

FIG. 20 shows the outline of that structure. What is shown in FIG. 20 isa structure in which images projected on the projected plane 510 of thedisplay unit shown in FIG. 19 are viewed using specific glasses 402 and403, thereby being capable of viewing different three-dimensional imagesby the respective viewers.

To achieve the above display, the device may be operated in accordancewith the operating chart shown in FIG. 21. The method shown in FIG. 21is that the color images A_(i) and B_(i) formed in the active matrixregions 153 to 155 of FIG. 14, and the color images C_(i) and D_(i)formed in the active matrix regions 156 to 158 are recognized by aviewer who puts on the glasses 402 and a viewer who puts on the glasses403, individually.

As shown in FIG. 22, the image A_(i)B_(i) is made up of an image A_(i)for right eye and an image B_(i) for left eye, where i is a naturalnumber including 0. The image A_(i)B_(i) is converted into a straightlypolarized light having a predetermined direction by the polarizing plate512 of FIG.19, and is then projected on the screen 510. Also, the imageA_(i) and the image B_(i) are alternately displayed every one frame.

Similarly, the image C_(i)D_(i) is made up of an image C_(i) for righteye and an image D_(i) for left eye, where i is a natural numberincluding 0. The image C_(i)D_(i) is converted into a straightlypolarized light having a direction different from the image A_(i)B_(i)by 90° by the polarizing plate 513 of FIG. 19, and is then projected onthe screen 510. Also, the image C_(i) and the image D_(i) arealternately displayed every one frame.

The image A_(i)B_(i) and the image C_(i)D_(i) are superimposedlyprojected on the screen 510. In other words, the respective image dataof the polarizing state 1 and the polarizing state 2 exhibited on thedisplay screen of FIG. 21 are displayed simultaneously.

The respective displays are observed by the glasses 402 and 403,individually. The glasses 402 include polarizing plates 404 and 405 thepolarizing directions of which are decided so as to transmit thepolarizing state given by the polarizing plate 512. In other words, thepolarizing plates 404 and 405 are made up of polarizing plates havingthe identical polarizing direction.

In the glasses 402 with the above structure, the images A₀, B₀, A₁, B₁,A₂, B₂, . . . exhibited by the polarizing state 1 in FIG. 21 aretransmitted by the polarizing plates 404 and 405.

The glasses 402 include optical shutters (liquid-crystal shutters in thecase of this embodiment) 406 and 407 in the rear of its polarizingplates 404 and 405. It should be noted that an attention must be paid tothe polarizing direction of the polarizing plates disposed in theliquid-crystal shutters in the case of employing the straightlypolarized light. In order to prevent this problem, the liquid-crystalshutter may be structured using the dispersion-type liquid-crystal panelwith no use of a polarizing plate.

The liquid-crystal shutter 407 is opened/shut in synchronism with thedisplay of the image so as to transmit the images A₀, A₁, A₂, . . .

The liquid-crystal shutter 406 is opened/shut in synchronism with thedisplay of the image so as to transmit the images B₀, B₁, B₂, . . .

As a r result , the images A₀, A₁, A₂, . . . are selectively viewed onthe right eye of the glasses 402, and the images B₀, B₁, B₂, . . . areselectively viewed on the left eye of the glasses 402.

In this manner, the three-dimensional image A_(i)B_(i) can beselectively viewed in the glasses 402.

On the other hand, in the glasses 403, the polarizing plates 408 and 409have their polarizing direction set so as to transmit the images of thepolarizing state given by the polarizing plate 513. Hence, the imagesC₀, D₀, C₁, D₂ . . . are transmitted by the polarizing plates 408 and409.

Then, the liquid-crystal shutters 410 are operated at a timing shown inFIG. 22, thereby being capable of selectively viewing the images C₀, C₁,. . . on the right eye portion of the glasses 403, and also selectivelyviewing the images D₀, D₁, . . . on the left eye portion of the glasses403.

In this manner, the three-dimensional image C_(i)D_(i) can beselectively viewed in the glasses 403.

As a result, the different three-dimensional images can be viewed by therespective viewers who put on the glasses 402 and the glasses 403simultaneously.

In this embodiment, a given polarizing state is a straight polarization.However, in the case of using the straight polarization, there arisessuch a problem that when the glasses are inclined, the plane ofpolarization is displaced with the result that the filter effect islowered. In order to solve this problem, clockwise polarization andcounterclockwise circular polarization may be employed as the polarizingstate.

In other words, clockwise circular polarization is given to the imageA_(i)B_(i), and counterclockwise circular polarization is given to theimage C_(i)D_(i). The glasses 402 selectively transmits clockwisecircular polarization, and the glasses 403 selectively transmitscounterclockwise circular polarization.

Also, to facilitate the viewing of an image, it is effective that aperiod of time where the liquid-crystal shutter is opened is shorterthan a display time for one-frame image which is divided with time.

The structure shown in this embodiment becomes a normal two-dimensionalimage display unit without any modification. In other words, the 2Dimage and the 3D image are switched by the 2D/3D image switching sectionin the structure shown in FIG. 18, thereby being capable of displaying anormal TV image or video image.

Similarly, in this case, two independent images can be displayed. In thenormal display for a two-dimensional image, when two independent imagesare displayed, the liquid-crystal shutter of the glasses is always inopen-state so that time-division display is not performed.

Moreover, the positional relation between the liquid-crystal shutter andthe polarizing plate in this embodiment may be converted. Even thoughthe positional relation between the liquid-crystal shutter and thepolarizing plate is converted, an image which is finally viewed by theright eye or the left eye is not changed.

Further, in this embodiment, the glasses are so arranged as to providethe polarizing plate and the liquid-crystal shutter plate. However,since the polarizing plates 404 and 405 have the identical direction,one large-sized polarizing filter may be arranged in front of a viewerwho puts on the glasses without providing the polarizing filter in theglasses.

In this case, there is the significance that, even in the case of usingstraight polarization, even though the visual line of a viewer who putson the glasses is inclined, the filter effect of the polarizing plate isnot changed. However, this leads to such a defect that the visualposition of the viewer who puts on the glasses is limited.

Further, in the operating method shown in FIG. 21, if time-divisiondisplay is not conducted, that is, the images A_(i)B_(i) for right eyeand left eye are not formed, and the images A_(i)B_(i) and the imagesC_(i)D_(i) are made identical with each other, it has the same functionas that of the normal TV receiver or display.

(Thirteenth Embodiment)

A thirteenth embodiment relates to a structure in which a plurality ofthree-dimensional images are separated by using time-division display,and the three-dimensional images displayed with time-division arefurther separated into an image for right eye and an image for left eyeusing the polarizing characteristic.

In the case of using the structure shown in this embodiment, therespective different three-dimensional images can be viewed by two ormore viewers.

FIG. 20 shows the outline of the structure in accordance with thisembodiment. As shown in the figure, similarly in this embodiment, animage is formed using the projection-type display unit shown in FIG. 19with the liquid-crystal panel shown in FIG. 14.

The structure shown in FIG. 22 is that an image displayed on the screen510 is viewed through the glasses 601, 606 and 611 having liquid-crystalshutters and polarizing plates, thereby being capable of viewing therespective different three-dimensional images. The open/shut operationof the liquid-crystal shutter is controlled in synchronism with a timingof the image displayed on the screen 510. In this example, aliquid-crystal shutter is used for the optical shutter. However, othermeans may be used instead if a predetermined operating speed isobtained, and the weight is light to the extent where no load is givento the viewer when using.

The structure of this embodiment is operated in accordance with theoperation timing chart shown in FIG. 23. First, six kinds of images aredisplayed on the screen 510 as shown in the display screen of FIG. 23.In this example, images A₀₁ and A₀₂ are displayed in a state where theyare superimposed on each other simultaneously. Similarly, images B₀₁ andB₀₂ as well as images C₀₁ and C₀₂ are displayed in a state where theyare superimposed on each other simultaneously.

In the figure, it is preferable from the viewpoint of maintaining theimage quality that one frame is set to {fraction (1/100)} sec orshorter. Also, if the image quality equivalent to or more than thenormal TV image or the like is maintained, it is preferable that thelength of one frame is set to {fraction (1/180)} sec, or shorter.

What are indicated by A₀₁ and A₀₂ are an image for right eye and animage for left eye which form the three-dimensional image, respectively.Similarly, what are indicated by B₀₁ and B₀₂ are an image for right eyeand an image for left eye which form the three-dimensional image,respectively. Further, what are indicated by C₀₁ and C₀₂ are an imagefor right eye and an image for left eye which form the three-dimensionalimage, respectively.

A display screen 1 in FIG. 23 is directed to a color image formed in theactive matrix regions 153 to 155 of FIG. 14. Also, a display screen 2 isdirected to a color image formed in the active matrix regions 156 to 158of FIG. 14.

The operating method of this embodiment is characterized in that theimages of RGB formed in the active matrix regions 103 to 105 and 106 to108 of FIG. 14 are three-dimensional images for right eye andthree-dimensional images for left eye, which are divided with time,respectively.

In other words, in the active matrix regions 153 to 155, after one frameof the image A₀₁ for right eye for a three-dimensional image A isformed, one frame of the image B₀₁ for right eye for a three-dimensionalimage B is formed as a subsequent frame, and thereafter one frame of theimage C₀₁ for right eye for a three-dimensional image C is formed.

On the other hand, in the active matrix regions 156 to 158, after oneframe of the image A₀₂ for left eye for a three-dimensional image A isformed, one frame of the image B₀₂ for left eye for a three-dimensionalimage B is formed as a subsequent frame, and thereafter one frame of theimage C₀₂ for right eye for a three-dimensional image C is formed.

Hence, even though only the images formed in a pair of active matrixregions 153 to 155 which are controlled by the common horizontalscanning control circuit 151 are viewed, only the images for right eyefor the time-divided three-dimensional image can be viewed.

Similarly, even though only the images formed in a pair of active matrixregions 156 to 158 which are controlled by the common horizontalscanning control circuit 152 are viewed, only the images for left eyefor the time-divided three-dimensional image can be viewed.

The above operation is operation in which the images for right eye for aplurality of three-dimensional images are formed with time-division inthe active matrix regions which are commonly controlled by thehorizontal scanning control circuit 151, and the images for left eye fora plurality of three-dimensional images are formed with time-division inthe active matrix regions which are commonly controlled by thehorizontal scanning control circuit 152.

Then, the images for right eye and left eye are displayed on the screen510 simultaneously, and such display is conducted for three kinds oftime-division displays.

Also, the images formed on the active matrix regions 153 to 155 arestraightly polarized in a predetermined direction by the polarizingplate 512 of the display unit shown in FIG. 19.

The images formed on the active matrix regions 156 to 158 are straightlypolarized at an angle different from a predetermined direction by 90°which is given by the polarizing plate 512, by the polarizing plate 513of the display unit shown in FIG. 19.

In other words, the images A₀₁, B₀₁, C₀₁, A₁₁, B₁₁, C₁₁, . . . arestraightly polarized in a predetermined direction. Also, the images A₀₂,B₀₂, C₀₂, A₁₂, B₁₂, C₁₂, . . . are straightly polarized in a directiondifferent by 90° from the above predetermined direction.

Thereafter, the images displayed on the screen 510 are viewed by threeviewers through specific glasses 601, 606 and 611 having theliquid-crystal shutters and the polarizing plates. In this situation,the liquid-crystal shutters disposed in the respective glasses areopened/shut simultaneously at the right and left eyes at a predeterminedtiming as shown in FIG. 23.

For example, the liquid-crystal shutters 604 and 605 of the glasses 601are opened/shut so as to selectively transmit the three-dimensionalimage A. With the operation of the shutters 604 and 605, the images A₀₁and A₀₂ which are superimposed on each other are made incident to thepolarizing plates 602 and 603. The polarizing state of the image A₀₁ isa straight polarizing state having a predetermined direction by thepolarizing plate 512. Also, the polarizing state of the image A₀₂ is astraight polarizing state having a direction different by 90° from theabove predetermined polarizing state by the polarizing plate 513.

On the other hand, the polarizing plate 603 provided in the glasses 601has its polarizing direction set so as to selectively transmit thepolarizing state of the image A₀₁ which is made in a predeterminedpolarizing state by the polarizing plate 512.

Similarly, the polarizing plate 602 provided in the glasses 601 has itspolarizing direction set so as to selectively transmit the polarizingstate of the image A₀₂ which is made in a predetermined polarizing stateby the polarizing plate 513.

That is, the polarizing plates 602 and 603 are disposed such that theirpolarizing directions are different from each other by 90°.

Also, the images A₀₁ and A₀₂ have the straight polarizing states thepolarizing directions of which are different by 90°. Hence, thepolarizing plate 602 selectively transmits the image A₀₂. However, theimage A₀₁ is not transmitted by the polarizing plate 602.

On the other hand, the polarizing plate 603 selectively transmits theimage A₀₁. However, the image A₀₂ is transmitted by the polarizing plate603.

As a result, a viewer who puts on the glasses 601 can selectively viewthe image A₀₁ on his right eye, and the image A₀₂ on his left eye.

Through the same principle, the images B₀₁ and B₀₂ are transmitted bythe liquid-crystal shutters 609 and 610 of the glasses 606, and thepolarizing plate 607 is so arranged as to selectively transmit the imageB₀₂ whereas the polarizing plate 608 is so arranged as to selectivelytransmit the image B₀₁. Then, a viewer who puts on the glasses 606 canselectively view the image B₀₁ on his right eye, and the image B₀₂ onhis left eye.

Further, through the same principle, a viewer who puts on the glasses611 can selectively view the image C₀₁ on his right eye, and the imageC₀₂ on his left eye. In other words, he can view only image C₀₁ withoutviewing the image C₀₂ at his right eye, and can view only image C₀₂without viewing the image C₀₁ at his left eye. In this manner, therespective viewers who put on the glasses 601, 606 and 611 canselectively view the different three-dimensional images A to C.

In this embodiment, since the time-divide images are three, threedifferent three-dimensional images can be viewed. However, if thetime-divided images are two, two different three-dimensional images canbe viewed as in the twelfth embodiment. Further, if still moretime-divided screens of three or more are formed, more differentthree-dimensional images can be viewed.

It should be noted that it is preferable to use the wireless system withelectromagnetic waves or infrared rays as control means for theliquid-crystal shutter from a usable viewpoint.

Also, the positional relation between the liquid-crystal shutter and thepolarizing plate in this embodiment may be reversed. Even though thepositional relation between the liquid-crystal shutter and thepolarizing plate is reversed, the image which is viewed by his right eyeor left eye is finally identical.

For example, it is assumed that the polarizing plates 602 and 603 in theglasses 601 are disposed on the side of the screen 510. In this case,the images A₀₂, B₀₂, C₀₂, A₁₂, B₁₂ and C₁₂ are transmitted by thepolarizing plate 602. Also, the images A₀₁, B₀₁, C₀₁, A₁₁, B₁₁ and C₁₁are transmitted by the polarizing plate 603. Further, the images A₀₁ andA₀₂ are selectively transmitted by the liquid-crystal shutters 604 and605. In other words, the image A₀₁ can be selectively viewed by hisright eye, and the image A₀₂ can be selectively viewed by his left eye.

Further, this embodiment is designed so that the polarizing plate andthe liquid-crystal shutter are provided in the glasses. However, sincethe liquid-crystal shutter disposed in a pair of glasses is operated atan identical timing, one large-sized liquid-crystal shutter may bearranged in front of the respective viewers who put on the glasseswithout providing the liquid-crystal shutter for the glasses.

In this case, only the polarizing plate is disposed on the glasses, andthe structure in which the liquid-crystal shutter disposed in theglasses are controlled is not required.

The structure shown in FIG. 22 can be used as a TV receiver or a displayon which the normal two-dimensional image is displayed as it is. Also,if the image A₀₁ for right eye and the image A₀₂ for left eye for thethree-dimensional image are identical with each other, the structure inwhich the normal tow-dimensional screen can be observed by a pluralityof viewers can be realized.

Since the above-mentioned various display methods can be switched by thecontrol portion shown in FIG. 18, there is the significance that it isunnecessary to provide different devices for use.

The above significance is more useful when the integrated liquid-crystalpanel as shown in FIG. 14 is used. In other words, because, as shown inFIG. 14, the peripheral circuits are commonly used, and the activematrix circuits and the peripheral drive circuits are integrated, thestructure required for switching the above several display systems canbe simplified. This is extremely significant in the reduction of themanufacturing costs and the improvement in the reliability.

(Fourteenth Embodiment)

A fourteenth embodiment relates to another structure of the integratedliquid-crystal panel shown in FIG. 14. The structure shown in FIG. 14has such a function that two pairs of three images of R, G and B can bebasically formed. Also, a plurality of different images or an image fora three-dimensional image of the time-division system can be formed bythe drive method.

The integrated liquid-crystal panel described in this embodiment canform a color image with not three primary colors but four primarycolors, or with a compensation color in addition to three primarycolors.

What is shown in this embodiment is a structure in which a color imageis formed with R (red), G (green), B (blue) and W (white). It should benoted that the primary colors necessary for conducting color display arenot limited to the above structure, but can be appropriately set.

FIG. 24 shows an integrated liquid-crystal panel in accordance with thisembodiment. The structure shown in FIG. 24 includes, on a glasssubstrate or a quartz substrate, eight active matrix regions, and twohorizontal scanning control circuits and four vertical scanning controlcircuits, for driving those active matrix regions.

In the structure shown in FIG. 24, a horizontal scanning control circuit1415 for conducting the horizontal scanning of the active matrix region1401 that forms the image for R (red), the active matrix region 1406that forms the image for G (green), the active matrix region 1409 thatforms the image for B (blue) and the active matrix region 1412 thatforms the image for W (white), are commonly disposed with respect tothose active matrix regions.

Also, the common horizontal scanning control circuit 1418 is disposedfor the active matrix regions 1402 1407, 1410 and 1413 that form theimages R′, G′, B′, and W′.

The common vertical scanning control circuit 1403 is disposed for theactive matrix regions 1401 and 1402 that form the images R and R′. Also,the common vertical scanning control circuit 1408 is disposed for theactive matrix regions 1406 and 1407 that form the images G and G′. Thecommon vertical scanning control circuit 1411 is disposed for the activematrix regions 1409 and 1410 that form the images B and B′. Further, thecommon vertical scanning control circuit 1414 is disposed for the activematrix regions 1412 and 1413 that form the images W and W′.

The basic operation is performed by sequentially operating, for example,the flip flop circuit 1416 and 1417 disposed in the horizontal scanningcontrol circuit 1415, as shown in the twelfth embodiment. With thisoperation, the writing of information from address (0,0) to address(m,0) in the active matrix region 1401 is sequentially conducted,thereby forming an image of one frame.

With the application of the structure shown in FIG. 24, the imagequality of the color image can be further enhanced. Also, since thevertical scanning control circuit 1414 is merely increased in comparisonwith the structure shown in FIG. 14, there is the significance that thestructure is not complicated so much.

As was described above, using the difference in display timing, thedifference in polarizing state, and the difference in the visual point,a plurality of images which are displayed on an identical screen can beviewed independently. The above structure can be used as means forproviding a plurality of information simultaneously using an identicalscreen, means for selectively providing information to a specific personor direction, a play device, means for allowing a plurality of personsto view a plurality of image information independently, and so on.

In other words, in the method where a plurality of display screens onwhich an image is displayed are conventionally required, the number ofdisplay screens can be reduced to one. With this, the display screen canbe increased in area, and the entire structure can be simplified.

Also, using the liquid-crystal panel where the active matrix regions onwhich a plurality of images can be formed independently are integratedon an identical substrate, the time-division system and the displaymethod using the difference in the polarizing state are applied, therebybeing capable of displaying two different three-dimensional images onthe identical screen. Those two three-dimensional images can be viewedindependently using the glasses including the optical shutter and thepolarizing plate therein.

Also, using the method of displaying different images withtime-division, thereby being capable of displaying two or more differentthree-dimensional images.

Further, the different images are not displayed, and all the images aremade identical with each other, thereby being capable of conducting thesame image display as that of the normal display unit. The switching ofdisplay can be simply conducted by switching the control circuit,thereby being capable of largely enhancing the general purpose property.

The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention hasbeen presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise formdisclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of theabove teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention. Theembodiment was chosen and described in order to explain the principlesof the invention and its practical application to enable one skilled inthe art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It isintended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claimsappended hereto, and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display unit, through which at least first andsecond images can be viewed by at least first and second viewers,respectively, comprising: means for forming an image which is opticallymodulated by an integrated liquid-crystal panel; and means fordisplaying time-division multiplexing and displaying said first andsecond images on an identical screen; wherein said integratedliquid-crystal panel is so arranged as to provide active matrix regionsof M×N where said first and second images are formed, and drivingregions of M+N, assuming that M and N are natural numbers of 2 or more;wherein said active matrix regions and said driving regions are formedon a substrate; wherein said M-driving regions conduct horizontalscanning control of the N-active matrix regions simultaneously; whereinsaid N-driving regions conduct vertical scanning control of the M-activematrix regions simultaneously; wherein said time-division multiplexingis performed every {fraction (1/60)} sec or shorter.
 2. A display unit,through which at least first and second images can be viewed by at leastfirst and second viewers, respectively, comprising: an integratedliquid-crystal panel; means for forming an image which is opticallymodulated by said integrated liquid-crystal panel; means fortime-division multiplexing and displaying said first and second imageson an identical screen; and a first optical shutter means; a secondoptical shutter means; wherein said integrated liquid-crystal panel isso arranged as to provide active matrix regions of M×N where said firstand second images are formed, and driving regions of M+N, assuming thatM and N are natural numbers of 2 or more; wherein said active matrixregions and said driving regions are formed on a substrate; wherein saidM-driving regions conduct horizontal scanning control of the N-activematrix regions simultaneously; wherein said N-driving regions conductvertical scanning control of the M-active matrix regions simultaneously;and wherein said first optical shutter and said second optical shutterare opened and/or shut asynchronously and multiplexes synchronously intime to separate said first and second images, wherein saidtime-division multiplexing is performed every {fraction (1/60)} sec orshorter.
 3. A display unit, capable of viewing at least first and secondimages by at least first and second viewers, respectively, comprising:means for forming an image which is optically modulated by an integratedliquid-crystal panel; means for time-division multiplexing anddisplaying said first and second images on an identical screen; andmeans for polarizing said first image with a first polarizing state andsaid second image with a second polarizing state; means for transmittingsaid first image to both right and left eyes of said first viewer insaid first polarizing state; means for transmitting said second image toboth right and left eyes of said second viewer in said second polarizingstate; wherein said integrated liquid-crystal panel is so arranged as toprovide active matrix regions of M×N where said first and second imagesare formed, and driving regions of M+N, assuming that M and N arenatural numbers of 2 or more; wherein said active matrix regions andsaid driving regions are formed on a substrate; wherein said M-drivingregions conduct horizontal scanning control of the N-active matrixregions simultaneously; wherein said N-driving regions conduct verticalscanning control of the M-active matrix regions simultaneously; andwherein said time-division multiplexing is performed every {fraction(1/60)} sec or shorter.
 4. A display unit, through which at least firstand second images can be viewed by at least first and second viewers,respectively, comprising: means for forming an image which is opticallymodulated by an integrated liquid-crystal panel; and means fordisplaying time-division multiplexing and displaying said first andsecond images on an identical screen; wherein said integratedliquid-crystal panel comprises: a substrate; a first active matrixregion where said first image is formed; a first driving regionconducting horizontal scanning control of said first active matrixregion; a second active matrix region where said second image is formed;a second driving region conducting horizontal scanning control of saidsecond active matrix regions; a third driving region conducting verticalscanning control of said first and second active matrix regions, whereinsaid first active matrix region, said first driving region, said secondactive matrix region, said second driving region, and said third drivingregion are formed on said substrate.
 5. A display unit, through which atleast first and second images can be viewed by at least first and secondviewers, respectively, comprising: means for forming an image which isoptically modulated by an integrated liquid-crystal panel; and means fordisplaying time-division multiplexing and displaying said first andsecond images on an identical screen; a first optical shutter means; asecond optical shutter means; wherein said first optical shutter andsaid second optical shutter are opened and/or shut asynchronously andmultiplexes synchronously in time to separate said first and secondimages; wherein said integrated liquid-crystal panel comprises: asubstrate; a first active matrix region where said first image isformed; a first driving region conducting horizontal scanning control ofsaid first active matrix region; a second active matrix region wheresaid second image is formed; a second driving region conductinghorizontal scanning control of said second active matrix regions; athird driving region conducting vertical scanning control of said firstand second active matrix regions, wherein said first active matrixregion, said first driving region, said second active matrix region,said second driving region, and said third driving region are formed onsaid substrate.